Immunohistochemical evaluation of AKT protein activation in canine mast cell tumours
S Rodriguez1, K Fadlalla, T Graham
1Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nursing and Allied Health, Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, AL 36088, USA.
Abstract:
The pathogenesis of canine mast cell tumour (MCT) remains unknown. Moreover, therapeutic options are limited and resistance to targeted drugs and recurrences are common, necessitating the identification of additional cellular targets for therapy. In this study we investigated the expression of phosphorylated AKT protein in 25 archival canine MCT samples by immunohistochemistry and examined the correlation between the immunohistochemical scores and histopathological tumour grades. AKT protein was detected in all of the samples and 24 of the 25 samples expressed the phosphorylated form of the protein, albeit with variable intensity. However, when the immunohistochemical scores of weak, intermediate and strong labelling were compared with the histopathological grades I to III, there was no strong correlation. This study suggests that canine MCT cells have activated AKT and indicates the need for further research on the role of the AKT protein and the possibility of targeting the AKT signalling pathway in MCTs.
Insights
Canine mast cell tumors (MCTs) show activated AKT protein, suggesting this signaling pathway could be a therapeutic target. Further research is needed to explore AKT
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Oncology
- Molecular Pathology
- Cancer Biology
Background:
- The exact cause of canine mast cell tumors (MCTs) is unknown.
- Current treatments for canine MCTs have limitations, with frequent drug resistance and tumor recurrence.
- Identifying new cellular targets is crucial for effective canine MCT therapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression of phosphorylated AKT protein in canine MCT samples.
- To determine the correlation between AKT protein expression levels and histopathological tumor grades in dogs.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemistry was used to detect phosphorylated AKT protein expression.
- Expression levels were quantified and compared across 25 archival canine MCT samples.
- Histopathological tumor grades (I-III) were analyzed alongside immunohistochemical scores.
Main Results:
- Phosphorylated AKT protein was detected in 24 out of 25 canine MCT samples.
- AKT protein expression varied in intensity among the samples.
- No strong correlation was found between immunohistochemical scores and histopathological tumor grades.
Conclusions:
- Canine MCT cells exhibit activated AKT signaling.
- The AKT signaling pathway presents a potential therapeutic target for canine MCTs.
- Further investigation into targeting AKT is warranted for canine mast cell tumor treatment.
